Washing-machine



N. LOMBARD.

WASHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-14, 1920.

wanted Jame 28 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

:2 WW MQMZZMM 5% LUMBAHU.

WASHING MACHINE APPLICATION FILED AUGHM, 2920.

mmm w.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

NATHANIEL LOMBARD, or WORCESTER. MASSACHUSETTS, assrenon To nomnnnn,

WHITE COM S ER, MASSACHUSETTS, A conromrron or MASSA- cnUsETTs.

WASHING-MACHINE.

Specification 01' Letters latent. Patent d J 2 1921 Application filedAugust 14, 1920. Serial No. 403,520.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, NATHANIEL LOMBARD, a citizen of the United States,residing at Worcester, in the county of Worcester and State ofMassachusetts, have invented a new and useful Washing-Machine, of whichthe following is a specification.-

This invention relates to improvements over the washing machinedisclosed in my prior Patent No. 944,736, dated December 28,1909.

The principal objects of this inventlon are to improve and perfect themechanism shown in that patent; to make the tub more sanitary; toprovide what is virtually a rubbing action in connection therewith, butwithout employing any moving parts; to proyide an improved arrangementof parts for circulating the water through the system; to provide ameans for separating solid partlcles and a dirt, so arranged that it canbe cleaned out readily, and to combine with it in a practical manner awringer and means for operating it.

The invention also involves the construction of the washing tub in sucha form as to make it readily accessible, easily cleaned and to improvethe circulation of the water and clothing. Further objects andadvantages ofthe invention will appear hereinafter.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which-- Figure 1is a plan of a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2 is a central sectional view of the same on the line 22 of Fig. 1without the wringer, and

Fig. 3 is a central sectional view on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 showing thewringer in elevation and in positioning for wringing.

The invention is illustrated in a form in which the washing tub 10 has ashape preferably conical or cylindrical, but having a hemisphericalbottom. By virtue of this novel and symmetrical shape, combined with themethod of its use, this tub with the exception of the grid 12 can beconveniently made of cast iron. in one piece with the overflow chamber11, and virtually enameled. It can be more easily kept. therefore, in asanitary condition and protected from corrosion. than if japanned orleft unfinished altogether. the only practicable alternative in thisinstance as located hitherto for tre'atin metallic surfaces in washingmachines. 'lhe smooth vitreous surface also nrotects the washing frombeing torn and prolongs the life of the machine.

The bottom of the tub 10 has a circular open ng in which is fitted agrid 12 that is provided with numerous small perforations and acylindrical flange 37. Through this the overflow of water in the tub isdischarged into a circular overflow chamber 11, shown underneath thebottom of the tub or casing and adapted to receive the water directlytherefrom.

This overflow chamber has a centrally located flaring outlet tube 13connecting with a suction pipe 14 below, into which the water 1sdischarged. The grid 12 although described above as perforated isprovided with a central portion 15 and preferably of about the samediameter as the flaring inlet mouth of the tube 13. This designobviously provldes a comparatively quiet space at 16 around the bottomof the tube 13, and permits dirt to settle on the walls of chamber 12 asthe stream of water changes its direction and velocity while passingfrom the tube 10 to the suction pipe 14. Access may be had to space 11for cleansing purposes by lifting out grid 12, which rests on itscylindrical flange 37 loosely fitted into chamber 11.

The outlet pipe 14 passes to the pump 20 of the rotary type, operated bymotor 21 directly connected by a shaft 22. In the normal operation ofthe device this pump lifts water under pressure and under considerablevelocity into a pipe 23. This extends up over the upper edge of the tubor receptacle 10 and has a nozzle 24 delivering downwardly into suchreceptacle preferably in a direction parallel with the inner cylindricalsurface thereof, and close to the side of the tub.

In the pipe 23 there is a valve 26 which can be turned to openconnection with a hose pipe 27 which can be connected into a trapconnected with the sewer system. This pipe also is connected with thesupply pipe .28, connected with the water heating system. It can beturned to two different positions. In one position the hot or cold waterpasses into the tub the reverse way, through the pump from the pipe 28.In that case elec tricity is shut ofl from the motor. In the sameposition the hose 27 can be connected to discharge water from the tubinto the waste, the motor being operated by electricity to speed up thedischarge. its second position cuts off the pi )e 27 and connects thepump with the pipe 23 for the normal operation of the machine, thesupply coming constantly down the pipe 14:.

The pump and the motor 21 are mounted on a bracket 29 supported on thebase of the machine in any convenient position. Preferably they arepartly inclosed within the lower part or supporting legs 19 of thestructure.

By making the bottom hemispherical and placing the overflow openings lowin 'it, the stream of flowing water is contracted later- I ally at thebottom. The clothing therefore,

is concentrated and speeded up as it passes over the grid and therubbing action increased.

On the top of the tub 10, T have shown a bracket 30. This is providedwith a fiat circular upper surface 31, about a central pivot on which isadapted to oscillate the frame 32 of a wringer 33. The surface 31 hasperforations at various angular distances from each other, and thewringer frame has a spring pin 3% with a head on it.

The pin is adapted to enter any of the per forations and thus hold thewringer at any desired angular position. it may therefore be operated towring the clothes not only as they are taken from the washing machinebut between it and an adjacent set tub, or between two adjacent settubs. On the frame 32 on which this wringer is mountedis an additionalmotor 35 connected by reducing gearing 36.

lln this way it will be seen that as two separate motors are employed,each one can be particularly designed for its own use instead of havinga compromise motor not absolutely suited to either use as heretofore hasbeen the custom. The wringer unit also is a separate unit by itself andcan be manufactured and set up in its entirety with its motor attached,at an entirely diiferentplace of manufacture from that at which the restof the machine is made, if desired. Furthermore, if several sizes ofwashing machines and wringers are made and a customer desires adiflerent combination between them, from the one ordinarily recommendedby the manufacturers, that can be provided for without making anychanges in the mechanism or connections. The electrical connections aremade separate for the two motors so that there is absolutely no dangerof starting the wrong machine or starting up a motor when it isconnected to the machine that it is not intended to operate at thattime.

In the preferred method of operation of the device, hot water isintroduced into the tub 10, which may be done by operating the massesvalve 26 to draw it from the pipe 28. Soap or other detergent materialis added. If it is desired to commence the ordinary washing operation byfirst making suds the water is allowed to run in until its level is justbelow the bottom of the nozzle 24. If that is not desired, the water isrun up to cover the bottom of this nozzle. In either case the valve 26is turned to connect the pump 20 with the pipe 23 and electricity isthen turned on the motor 91. Now the operation of the pump 20 drawswater down through the pipe 14: and forces it up at considerablevelocity through the pipe 23. it is forced downwardly through the nozzle24: in a direction along the side of the tub 10. If the water is not upto the level of the bottom of the nozzle 2% air will be entrained withit and the contents will foam, can sin the formation of suds. If this isdesired the device is allowed to run in that way only long enough todevelop suliicient suds, when more water is introduced to bring thelevel up above the bottom of the nozzle. The motor will then continue tocirculate the water as it did before, except for the introduction ofair. Clothing is put into the water, and the entering stream will forceboth it and the clothing to take a rotary course in the tub as indicatedb the arrows showing the current of water in *ig. 2. This gives thewhole washing a rapid overturning and rotation, causing bending anddistortion of the fabric, bringing all fibers into intimate contact withthe washing fluid and performing an efficient washing operation asstated in my above mentioned patent. in addition, however, I find that arubbing action is secured and the efficiency of the machine muchimproved without introducing any mechanism, rotating members, or movingparts into the tub by means of first passing the overflow water througha grid in contact with the clothes as just above described, before itgoes to the pump.

The withdrawal of the water at high speed through the perforations inthe grid, causes the clothing to be pushed against and rubbed along theperforated surface thereof, thus loosening the dirt. Also, the Spurtingof the currents of water directly through the clothing and grid, whileit is receiving its rubbing action, further tends to extract dirttherefrom.

The current of water, after passing through the perforations in the grid12 eddies slowly downwardly into the large space 16 around the outlettube 13 and under the overhanging edge thereof. It then moves slowlyupward over this edge along its entire circumference and then downwardthrough the tube to the pump. This leaves a comparatively quiet area at16 all around the outside of this tube 13, thus leaving the dirt tosettle. After the washing water is withdrawn the grid can be lifted outvery readily and the white enamel interior surface thoroughly cleanedfrom above.

From what has been stated, it can be seen that this machine has all theadvantages of the machine set forth in my above mentioned patent, andembodies all the principles thereof; that the clothing is washed withoutthe presence of any moving parts in the tub and therefore without wearupon it, and yet an additional rubbing action is secured. Furthermore,there is no obstacle in the top of the device and therefore the operatorcan observe the progress of the work as often as desired, and can liftthe clothing out at any time to see whether it needs further washingwithout stopping the process. The pro vision of separate motors for thepump and wringer is a matter of importance for the reasons above stated.However, I am proceeding to manufacture machines of a small size forspecial purposes without the provision of a power wringer.

Although I have illustrated and described only one embodiment of theinvention, I am aware of the fact that modifications can be made thereinby any person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of theinvention as expressed in the claims; therefore I do not wish to belimited to all the details of construction and combinations of partsherein shown and described, but what I do claim is 2-- 1. In a washingmachine, the combination with a tub or receptacle for the water andarticles to be washed,having in a wall thereof, adapted to be covered bythe water, a perforated surface, of means for introducing water intosaid receptacle in a direction .to produce an endless current aroundsaid receptacle and along said perforated surface, give the contents ofthe receptacle a whirling motion therein, and draw the arti- --cles tobe washed along said perforated surface' and substantially in contacttherewith during their whirling course, and means for drawing theoverflow out through said perforations during the continuance of thewhirling motion to keep the level of water in the receptacle constant.

2. In a washing machine, the combination with a receptacle or'tub havinga rounded bottom, a nozzle for introducing water into the same in atangential direction to cause a whirling motion of the contents of saidreceptacle, and means for drawing the water out of the receptaclethrough a plurality of openings in the stationary wall at a point belowthe top thereof whereby the articles to' be washed will be drawn towardthe same and in contact with the surface through which the water passesout.

3. In a washing machine, the combination with a receptacle for the waterand articles to be Washed having a curved interior. of

means for introducing water tangentially into the same to produce awhirling motion of the contents of said receptacle, said receptaclehaving a perforated portion below the top thereof through which thewater is discharged therefrom and in contact with which the articles tobe washed are passed during their circulation in said receptacle.

4. In a washing machine, the combination with a tub or receptacle forthe water and articles to be washed having in a wall thereof adapted tobe covered by the water a stationary surface having perforationstherethrough, of means for drawing the overflow out through saidperforations and for introducing it at a high velocity back into thereceptacle in a direction to produce a current therein and to draw thearticles to be washed along with said current over said perforatedsurface, thereby producing a rubbing action.

5. In a washing machine, the combination with a receptacle for the waterand articles to be washed having a curved interior and a perforated areabelow the top thereof, of means for introducing water tangentially intothe receptacle to produce a continuous whirling motion of the contentsthereof in a current passing over said area, and means beyond said areaand below the top of said receptacle for receiving water therefrom andseparating dirt from the water.

6. In a washing machine, the combination with a receptacle or tub havinga rounded bottom, a nozzle for introducing water into the same in atangential direction to cause a whirling motion of thecontents of saidreceptacle, and means for drawing the water out of the receptaclethrougha plurality of openings at apoint below the top thereof, wherebythe articles to be washed will be drawn toward the same and over thesurface through which the water passes, of a chant,

ber below the top of said receptacle in position to receive waterthrough the openings and to be kept constantly full, said chamber havinga flaring outlet tube projecting above its bottom to partially clarifythe water before it is disehar ed therefrom.

7. In a washing mac ine, the combination with a receptacle or tub havinga rounded bottom, a nozzle for introducing water into the same in atangential direction to cause a whirling motion of the contents of saidreceptacle, and means for drawing the water out of the receptacle, of achamber in position to receive water having a flaring outlet tubeprojecting above its bottom and constituting part of the bottom of thereceptacle, said bottom having an annular series of perforations butbeing solid at the center immediately over said flaring outlet.

8. In a washing machine, the combination with a tub or receptacle forthe water and articles to be washed having an open unobadapted to becovered by the water, a pen forated surface, of means for introducingwater therein in a direction to give the contents of the receptacle awhirling motion therein, means for drawing the overflow out through saidperforations to keep the level of water in the receptacle constant anddraw the article to be washed along said perforated surface andsubstantially in contact therewith during its whirling course, a chamberlocated beyond said perforated surface, and a removable grid containingsaid perforations in the wall of said receptacle adapted to expose saidchamber when re moved for cleaning.

9. ln a washing machine, the combination with an unobstructed opentopped receptacle for the water and articles to be washed, of means forintroducing water into the same along one wall to produce a whirlingmotion of the contents of. said receptacle, a grid therein constitutinga wall thereof and having a perforated portion below the top of thereceptacle through which the water is discharged therefrom and overwhich the articles to be washed are passed during their circulation insaid receptacle, and a chamber beyond said grid having a separatingmeans therein,

10. A washing machine having means for naeaeea circulating the water andclothing along an endless path and having a tub provided withcylindrical upright walls and a hernispherical bottom.

ll. A washing machine having means for circulating the water andclothing along an endless path and having a tub provided withcylindrical upright walls and a hemispherical bottom, the bottom havinga grid therein constituting a part thereof and having perforationstherethrough.

12. In a washing machine, the combination with a receptacle for thewater and articles to be washed and a nozzle for introducing water alongthe wall thereof to produce a whirling motion of the contents of saidreceptacle, said receptacle having a perforated area over which thearticles to be washed are. passed during their circulation in saidreceptacle, of a pump for receiving the water through said perforatedarea and forcing it through said nozzle, and a valve located in the pumpconnections adapted to be set to allow the circulation of water fromsaid perforations to said nozzle or to be set to permit the water to bedischarged from said receptacle or introduced into it.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature.

NATHANIEL LQMBARD.

